Goal of Targeted Therapy for CLL
Targeted cancer therapies are designed to recognize a specific change in a cancer cell that drives the growth and spread of a tumor. These drugs zero in on their molecular or immunologic target. That’s how they destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. They do this while avoiding normal, healthy cells. Because healthy tissues are spared, these treatments tend to cause fewer and less severe side effects than other standard treatments.
Monoclonal antibody therapy is a kind of targeted therapy. Recently this treatment has been developed for CLL. It precisely targets receptors on the outside of leukemia cells. The goal is to kill as many cancer cells as possible. It uses laboratory-created antibodies. They are similar to those your immune system makes naturally. They attach to cancer cells, killing them or blocking their growth. The monoclonal antibody used to treat CLL is called Campath (alemtuzumab). Rituxan (rituximab) is also used but is not yet approved for this disease.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Cheson, Bruce D. MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stump-Sutliff, Kim RN, MSN, AOCNS
Online Medical Reviewer:
Wujcik, Debra RN, MSN, AOCN®
Last Annual Review Date:
5/13/2008